The Golden Triangle Rider

deepcdiver · Motorcyclist Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 38

I am looking to rent or buy a Minsk in HCMC to drop off in Hanoi. I found Saigon Scooters has a website and rents Minks for $10/day or $180/month and the bike can be left in Hanoi or most other major VN city.

Has anyone used Saigon Scooters or seen their bikes? Anyone know of another option?

Thanks!
John

roblaan · Posted: 29.12.2006, 11:31 Post subject:

I'm not familiar with Saigon Scooters but I heard that Cuong, bike rental with good reputation, has a brother in HCMC with a bike rental too. Seems you can rent a bike there and leave it in Hanoi and v.v. Check out the website http://www.voyagevietnam.net/eng/9-18.php
Good luck

deepcdiver · Motorcyclist Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 38

Saigon Scooters might be Cuong's brother, or Cuong's connection at any rate, in HCMC. I emailed Saigon Scooters a couple times for info and they informed me their bikes are dropped off at Cuong's in Hanoi and I would receive my deposit back from Cuong late the same day, or the very next day, after inspection.

Sounds like the way to go, I would prefer to see the bike before paying a deposit rather than getting one shipped south by rail sight unseen. Hopefully the bikes are comparable mechanically. Will let you all know!

matt14 · Pedestrian Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 9 Location: Vietnam

Pats a good friend of mine, bit of a wild man but can sort you out with whatever you need. Check out his website or ring him or Ash direct on the numbers below, best try to catch him after or before the weekend, which is usually a wednesday, he tends to get a bit messy!!!

www.saigonscootercentre.com

Contact us : info@saigonscootercentre.com
Ash: 0913601294 or Pat: 0903013690

kkearins · Pedestrian Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 5

We contacted Cuong's brother in HCM and he had very little to offer, you need to have the bikes sent in advance from Cuong in Hanoi. We also met the guys in Saigon Scooters and they seemed a good crew. They have many Minsk's in their workshop but as for their condition you would have to check them out yourself.
If you have lots of time you can look around at the backpacker area in HCM and check the hotels/B&B for someone selling a bike.
We will be selling our Minsks about the 26 Jan when we back to HCM.

deepcdiver · Motorcyclist Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 38

Too bad you will not be back with your bikes a week earlier Sad

Have been corresponding with Ash, asked him to reserve a Minsk and if that is not possible to let me know ASAP if they are booked out so I can have Cuong or Hung ship one south...

offroadvietnam · Cyclist Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Vietnam

Yes, contact Ash and he can help.

Cuong has a brother in saigon, but he only collects bikes and sends back to Hanoi. If you want to contact Cuong, check out at http://www.offroadvietnam.com/elpophtml/cuong.htm

deepcdiver · Motorcyclist Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 38

Picked up a Minsk from Saigon Scooter Centre...the bikes were not "ready to go", but Ashe is great and had me sorted out, new rear tire mounted, head bearings adjusted, saddlebags/tools/parts, Minsk guide.

Be advised it is a wretched machine Smile

DO NOT overtighten the petcock filter catch bowl and break off the stud like I did in Nha Trang, cheap pot metal. Had it tapped further and the bowl cut down accordingly, 30 min, 20,000 Dong, at a Cub place.

Be advised the Minsk Club manual mecahnic address are out of date, the guy in Nha Trang retired, no parts avaiable south of Hoi An excedpt HCMC. The Hoi An mecahnic is now dricving a taxi but a young guy took over on another street.

Personally, I would not get a Minsk unless solely touring the boonies north of Hanoi (which i will be next week).

Plenty of Taiwan made Sun motorctycles, model "Bonus" with real brakes, handling, and some comfort, parts availability quite good and available used for $400 US.

Currently Hoi An and heading north....

scot harper · Posted: 29.01.2007, 17:56 Post subject:

Hey Dive, keep the posts com'n, thank's M8...Scott